[Anemia in the aged]

Anemia in the aged is still often an underestimated clinical problem; however, in recent years increasing research on this topic has permitted deeper insights, allowing a differentiated approach to anemia in the aged. Meanwhile, multicausality and a negative impact on functional outcome have become characteristics of anemia in older people. This has led to a scientific discussion on the question of accepting anemia as a geriatric syndrome. The present article gives a concise overview of the current state of research on this clinically relevant subject.